JAPAN CUTS 2023

Japan Society is proud to present the 16th annual JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film, the largest festival of its kind. From July 26-Aug 6, this year’s JAPAN CUTS features over 25 films from major blockbusters to indie darlings, spanning narratives, documentaries, experimental and short films, and anime! This year’s festival marks its long-awaited return following the last fully in-person JAPAN CUTS in 2019.

This year’s festival features five International Premieres, 10 North American Premieres, seven U.S. Premieres, three East Coast Premieres, and three New York Premieres! JAPAN CUTS will also welcome six special guests and host two parties!

Leading this year’s guests, JAPAN CUTS has the honor of presenting acclaimed actor Yuya Yagira with the 2023 CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film for his role in Under The Turquoise Sky by director KENTARO.

Ticket on sale now! Become a member to save 20% on tickets! Join today!

Check out Peter Tatara, Director of Film, speak about JAPAN CUTS 2023 with PIX11.

“The Japanese film industry has made a strong recovery from the pandemic, with theatrical admissions and box office earnings both rising by almost one-third in 2022.” Read a special introduction to JAPAN CUTS 2023 by critic and author Mark Schilling that delves into current Japanese cinema trends.

“Meticulously curated… An annual highlight of New York’s film calendar.” —The New York Times

“A comprehensive snapshot of one of the world’s most exciting national cinemas—it’s the closest you can get to Japan without actually going there.” —IndieWire

Admission Information & Pricing

Opening Night Film & Party: $22 Nonmembers/ $17 Members / $20 seniors & students
Centerpiece Film & Party: $22 Nonmembers/ $17 Members / $20 seniors & students
All Other Screenings: $18 Nonmembers / $14 Members / $16 seniors & students
All-Access Pass: $300 (Members-Exclusive; Sold Out!)

All screenings take place in-person at Japan Society’s auditorium, located at 333 E. 47th Street in New York, NY.

★ – Denotes Special Guest and/or Party

JAPAN CUTS’ main category showcases a broad selection of contemporary Japanese cinema across vibrant genres and styles. From deep dramas and tender coming-of-age tales to anime, horror and documentary, our Feature Slate is a window to the past year of Japan’s cinematic storytelling.

JAPAN CUTS’ competitive slate offers six hand-picked independent narrative features by emerging directors. One film within the section—determined as the most accomplished by a jury of film industry professionals—will receive the “Obayashi Prize” in honor of the late filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi (1938-2020).

Vibrant short works from Japan that explore new directions in experimental, animated and narrative film.

In memory of the legendary musician, JAPAN CUTS presents a rare imported 16mm presentation of the cult documentary Tokyo Melody: A Film about Ryuichi Sakamoto.

JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film is generously supported by Shiseido Americas and The Globus Family. Additional support is provided by Sapporo U.S.A. and BentOn.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, David Toberisky, and Friends of Film. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the exclusive official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film. Housing assistance is provided by the Kitano Hotel, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film.

JAPAN CUTS tremendously thanks our community partners…

Special Thanks to Joel Neville Anderson; Emi Ueyama (ARTicle Films); Yasuyuki Nagano (ColorBird Inc); Yuko Takagi (FreeStone Productions); Moeko Fujii; Keiko Yoshida (Gaga Corp.); Saori Takenaka (Geidai); Chance Huskey (GKIDS); Pearl Chan (Good Move Media); Eugene Harng; Toshiyuki Hasegawa; Miki Zeze (Kadokawa Corp.); KENTARO (KTRFILMS); Akiko Uchida (King Records); Maki Shimizu (Kino Films); Elizabeth Lennard; Ayako Ito (Nagoya); Mami Furukawa and Umi Yamamoto (Nikkatsu); Gerald Abraham (Okamoto Kitchen); Shinji Sakoda; Mark Schilling; Dan Sullivan; Adam Torel (Third Window Films); Shiori Takata (Toei Co. Ltd); Sam van der Meer; Makoto Kawamura (Voice); Kousuke Ono (Wa Entertainment, Inc.); K.F. Watanabe; Akiko Yano.